Bengaluru: Got the sniffles? It's that time of year!

Bengaluru: Of the 100 cases that come to paediatric OPDs across city hospitals, 50% are of viral respiratory tract infections during the flu season. As December nears, experts suggest caution for parents with children below five years old and infants.

“December brings with it winter month illnesses and most of the infections are of viral nature and highly communicable viral illnesses can be in the form of respiratory tract infections. Infants below six months and even older children are prone to viral infections during the season. Parents need to be very cautious about the symptoms and precautions," advised Dr S.M. Prasad, Assistant Professor, Dr BR Ambedkar Medical College and Chairperson of Bangalore Adolescent Health Academy.

The flu or influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses and is spread through sneezing and coughing. Typically, it takes one to four days from the time of exposure to the onset of illness.

“The flu is a serious disease and can lead to pneumonia and blood infections, and it can cause diarrhoea and seizures in children. Parents should be extra careful during this season,” stressed Dr Shankar Prasad, Medical Director, St Philomena's Hospital.

“Infants with this particular viral infection also suffer from air trappings in the lungs called acute bronchiolitis which is an acute infectious disease of the lower respiratory tract that occurs primarily among very young. Infants between 2 and 6 months old are affected the most. It is common during December and many end up in hospital ICUs," said Dr Prasad. Resistance also comes down during winter months and parents with infants in the house should ensure proper cough etiquette and hand hygiene. “Apart from avoiding exposure to cold weather, a flu vaccine or pneumococcal vaccine is also recommenced for infants below six months, as prevention is better than cure.  Even pregnant women can take vaccine shots to protect their unborn babies," said Dr Prasad.